Netflix has cut the ribbon on a new Sydney office for its dedicated local team as it looks to build on its high-performing Aussie catalogue.

“Along with our production partners and organizations like AFTRS, Bus Stop Films and Screenworks, we’re investing in a range of training, scholarship and attachment programs to help nurture local talent,” said Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters. 

Netflix reported spending more than US$663 million (AUD$1 billion) on content about and related to Australia between 2019 to 2023—with nearly half of that going towards kids and YA programming. To produce these shows, the streamer hired 600-plus local vendors and more than 6,000 Australian cast and crew between 2020 and 2023. 

It’s no surprise that Netflix is looking to boost its Aussie output. Local content has traditionally been a strong performer, with more than 15 Australian titles making the streamer’s Global Top 10 since the list launched three years ago. 

Aussie teen/YA shows have been particularly popular, including the fan-favorite teen drama Heartbreak High—its second season rolled out earlier this year and spent three weeks in the Global Top 10, after opening with 2.3 million views in its debut week. (The series was recently renewed for a third and final season.) And in January, Netflix rolled out a coming-of-age series called Boy Swallows Universe, which generated 3.6 million views in its first week and also spent three weeks on the Global Top 10 list.

Another strong teen drama performer is Surviving Summer, which rolled out a second season last year after generating strong numbers with its first season.